How can I reuse or recycle conkers?

Well, this isn’t so much as “reuse or recycle” question as saying “instead from leaving them there to rot, can conkers be used for anything fun or practical?” It is kinda a “reduce this” question too – can I reduce my use of something else by using conkers instead?

I picked up some conkers on a dog walk at the weekend – I couldn’t help myself because fresh from their slick shells, they’re a delight to touch – so shiny & smooth. Could they be used for decorative crafts? Any techniques for preserving the lustre?

Conkers are more correctly known as horse-chestnuts but they’re a completely different species to sweet chestnuts and are actually poisonous. Apparently though that poison can be harnessed for good – bowls of conkers can be used to deter spiders & moths from moving into your home/wardrobe.

Wow! I have never heard of conkers before. I live in the us and sometimes come across different names for things on this website, but this one is completely new to me. I don’t even recognize the picture as something I have ever seen.

Well, I’m in the U.S., also-and they’re buckeyes! Okay, the American Buckeye tree is in the same family as the horse chestnut she’s showing a picture of. I don’t have any ideas on what to do with them either…but they are nifty.

If you peel the hard brown shells off the actual nut and then break the nut into pieces you can use them to handwash clothes. They are distantly related to soap nuts (or so I’ve been told).
You simply add them to warm water and use the water to wash/rinse clothes. Make sure you rinse well afterwards but your clothes come out really soft and lovely.
I knit a lot of things and I find it one of the most gentle things to wash handknit items in.
Hope to help
x x x